“I Am Not I” at FringeNYC 2014 at Teatro SEA (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014)
“I Am Not I” at FringeNYC 2014 at Teatro SEA (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014) Written by Laura Abbot Directed by Laura Abbott and Jordan Reiff Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
“I Am Not I,” a new play being presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival at Teatro SEA, is about gender identity, righteous religious beliefs, dysfunctional families, heritage, ethnic customs, and overall idiosyncratic delusion. That is just one of the problems; the play has no focus and provides no resolution. It is a protracted two hours with a scattered script that does not fully flesh out characters but merely puts them in situations that somewhat move the plot along. When you throw in a dancer as a tempting alter ego it only creates an annoying sideshow that detracts from whatever the play might be about at that certain time. The cast tries in earnest to provide some substance and continuity but rarely succeeds in transcending the material. Robyn Unger is able to draw from within to create a real and conflicted Jane. Morgan Lavenstein provides a tough exterior for Dawn and in a turn cuts through her hard façade to find a sensitive and caring persona.
Perhaps the mounting of this world premiere will provide influential insight that will articulate the flaws and pitfalls of the script so “I Am Not I” might have further development. Dissection of this incarnation could provide enough fodder to develop several shorter one act plays around the important themes inherent in the script.
I AM NOT I
“I Am Not I” is presented by Maureen Keleher and Christopher Marsh in association with The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Laura Abbott and Jordan Reiff. Choreographed by Kendra Slack.
The cast of “I Am Not I” includes Claire Cuny (Dancer), Morgan Lavenstein, Sam Lowenstein (Guitar), Elise Rovinsky, Izzy Ruiz, and Robyn Unger.
For performance schedule, ticketing information and more information about the presenting company, please visit www.FringeNYC.org. For mobile ticketing, please visit www.FringeonTheFly.com. The running time is 2 hours with one ten minute intermission.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, August 10, 2014
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